Parks and Play

ALDERWOOD PARK
208 BROWNS POINT BLVD
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Adjacent to the Kobetich Library and the Northeast Tacoma fire station, Alderwood Park features forested areas and a gentle slope with winding trails and grassy open spaces, play equipment and picnicking opportunities.”
Amenities include picnic shelters, an uncovered playground, hiking trails and open wildlife habitats.

ALLING PARK
1134 S 60TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Alling park outdates almost every park in the South End. Amenities include an uncovered playground, picnic shelters, wading pools, public restrooms, tennis courts and a baseball/softball field.

BALTIMORE PARK
4716 N BALTIMORE ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Features baseball/softball field, half court basketball, picnic tables, play ground and cooking facilities.

BLUEBERRY PARK
7402 EAST D ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“The Friends of Blueberry Park are painstakingly restoring blueberry bushes one section at a time in the abandoned blueberry farm. Plans for the park retain most of the blueberry bushes and honor the park’s past while incorporating recreational and interpretive elements.”

BROWNS POINT LIGHTHOUSE PARK
201 TULALIP ST NE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Browns Point Lighthouse Park lies on the tip of historic Browns Point and features waterfront access and an attractive picnic site. The waterfront entices beachcombers year round and sun bathers, boaters, and picnickers during the summer. Once an active United State Coast Guard station with a full-time crew, the station closed in 1964 and it was converted to a public park.”
Amenities include hiking trails, wildlife habitat, boat launch, public restrooms, beach access, ocean swimming, BBQ facilities and art work.

BROWNS POINT PLAYFIELD
4915 LA HAL DA LANE NE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include a regulation baseball/softball field, an uncovered playground, public restrooms, an outdoor tennis court and both half and full basketball courts.

CELEBRATION PARK
429 S 80TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“This is a small neighborhood park celebrates community and gives children a safe place to play. Surrounded on three sides by residential housing and an extensive green belt on the fourth side.”
The perimeter is surrounded by a trail friendly to runners and walkers. Amenities also include open wildlife habitat and an uncovered playground.

CENTRE AT NORPOINT & NORPOINT COMMUNITY PARK
4818 NASSAU AVE NE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Convenient to both Tacoma and South King County, the Centre at Norpoint is a multi-purpose community center located in Northeast Tacoma in a natural park setting.”
Amenities include an indoor gymnasium, daycare, physical conditioning equipment, an uncovered playground, skateboard park, indoor swimming pools, rental banquet rooms, miles of running trails and a soccer field.

CHINA LAKE PARK
1811 S SHIRLEY ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
China Lake is larger than most lakes in Tacoma, the park also includes 11 acres of undeveloped land with water access, open wildlife habitat and primitive trails.

CLOVERDALE PARK
1639 E 59TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Through community effort, Cloverdale Park was acquired and partially developed in 1979 with a tennis court, play equipment and a hard surface area. New play equipment was installed in 2002 in partnership with the Eastside Neighborhood Action Council.”

CUMMINGS PARK
2201 RUSTON WAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include hiking trails, a formal garden, a fishing pier/dock and access to the waterfront of Commencement Bay.

DASH POINT PARK & PIER
1500 BEACH DR NE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Dash Point Park offers splendid views of Puget Sound to the north and northeast toward Seattle. Picnic facilities and 300 feet of beach make the park a pleasant and relaxing place. Launch kayaks and canoes with ease.”
Amenities include hiking trails, a fishing pier, picnic shelters, an uncovered playground, picnic shelters with picnic facilities and a boat launch.

DELONG PARK
4702 S 12TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Most of DeLong Park was purchased with funds from Pierce County Conservation Futures to preserve the pristine environment around the lake, one of last remaining functioning wetlands in Tacoma and home to many bird species. Metro Parks is currently working with the Central Neighborhood Council to restore everything within the wetland buffer to natural condition, enhance the trails and add interpretive signage.”
Amenities include a non-regulation soccer field, an uncovered playground and open wildlife habitat.

DICKMAN MILL PARK
2423 RUSTON WAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“The nine-acre Dickman Mill Park site occupies a significant place in Tacoma’s history as a lumber-producing center. The Dickman Lumber Mill operated continuously from the 1890’s until 1974. It was the last in a long tradition of lumber mills on Tacoma’s “”Old Town”” waterfront to close down. Following a fire in 1979, the remnants of the mill slowly deteriorated. Metro Parks acquired the site in the early 1990s. Through the efforts and funding of the IAC, Washington State Departments of Ecology and Natural Resources, City of Tacoma, private donors and Metro Parks, the site was purchased, rehabilitated, and developed as a new public park. Located on Ruston Way along the Commencement Bay waterfront, Dickman Mill Park opened in July 2001.”
Amenities include beach access, running trails, wildlife habitat, public restrooms and a boat launch.

FERN HILL PARK
502 S 88TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
The perimeter is surround by a walking/jogging path. Other amenities include uncovered picnic tables and playground and an open grassy lawn.

FERRY PARK
1400 S SHERIDAN AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Ferry Park was dedicated by C. P. Ferry when he platted the Ferry Addition to the City in 1883, and was the first parcel of land donated or otherwise acquired by the City for park purposes.”
Amenities include lots of uncovered picnic tables and an uncovered playground.

FRANKLIN PARK
1201 S PUGET SOUND AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Beginning with a parcel of land donated by the West End Playground and Park Association, Franklin Park has expanded to include over 22 acres.”
Amenities include picnic tables, an uncovered playground, picnic shelters, wading pools, a tennis court, a baseball/softball field and hiking/walking trails.

GARFIELD PARK
400 N BOROUGH RD
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include a soccer field, hiking trails, waterfront access, baseball/softball fields both regulation and non-regulation, half court basketball, picnic tables and an uncovered playground.

HAMILTON PARK
2321 RUSTON WAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include picnic tables, beach access, walking/jogging trail, viewing gardens, wildlife habitat, a heritage monument and a fishing pier and dock.

HARMON PARK
8029 S I ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Harmon Park was donated for park use by philanthropist William E. Harmon of New York in 1927 to serve Tacoma’’s expanding South End.”
Amenities include wading pools, an uncovered playground, a soccer field, a tennis court, softball and baseball fields and a full basketball court.

HEIDELBERG DAVIS PARK
1902 S TYLER ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include baseball and softball fields, picnic tables, a skateboarding park, jogging/walking trail and public restrooms.

IRVING PARK
1902 S 25TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Overlooking the Nalley Valley, Irving Park is located on the former site of Irving School and was developed with the aid of the former Irving Recreation Association.”
Amenities include public restrooms, wading pools, picnic tables, a full basketball court and baseball and softball fields.

JACK HYDE PARK
1743 N SCHUSTER PARKWAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Located on the water’s edge in the Old Town area, the park was recently renamed in memory of Jack Hyde, former Tacoma mayor and leader in developing the Ruston Way waterfront.”
Enjoy panoramic views of Commencement Bay, Vashon Island and the Olympic Mountains as well as 2 miles of waterfront. Other amenities include walking/jogging trails, wildlife habitat, beach access and art work monuments.

JANE CLARK PARK
4825 N 39TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Jane Clark Park is named in memory of the mother of the late Benjamin Harvey. It is a major neighborhood park and hosts a free summer playground program for youth.”
Amenities include baseball and softball fields, wading pools, walking/jogging trails, public restrooms and half court basketball.

JEFFERSON PARK
801 N MASON AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“In 1924, Jefferson Park was named in honor of the third President of the United States. It is a major neighborhood park with lots of paths for walking and jogging, a community center and summer playground program.”
Amenities include a soccer, baseball and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, miles of hiking trails, walking/jogging trails, an uncovered playground and public restrooms.

KANDLE PARK
2323 N SHIRLEY ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“A generous gift from Leona Kandle, the park is adjacent to the Gonyea Boys’/Girls’ Club and Downing Elementary School.”
Amenities include wading pools, public restrooms, open wildlife habitat, picnic tables, an uncovered playground, soccer, baseball and softball fields, community gardens, tennis courts and walking/jogging trails.

LINCOLN-ELDRIDGE PARK
801 S 37TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Originally called South Park, the name was changed to honor President Abraham Lincoln in 1901. The original park included the gulch where Lincoln Bowl now exists.”
Amenities include picnic tables, an uncovered playground, wading pools, baseball and softball fields, picnic shelters, public restrooms, tennis and basketball courts.

LINCOLN HEIGHTS PARK
3690 S STEELE ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include an uncovered playground, miles of hiking trails, half court basketball and open wildlife habitat.

LOTS FOR TOTS PARK
1216 S I ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“In a densely populated area, a vacant lot was converted to Lots for Tots to provide a small pocket park with a lawn area, benches and kids play structures.”

MANITOU COMMUNITY AND ART CENTER
4806 S 66TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“The Manitou Community and Art Center provides hands-on exploration of art through instruction and workshops and a variety of other recreation classes. Host to several community events throughout the year, Manitou is also home of Metro Parks’ specialized recreation program for persons with disabilities.”
Amenities include an uncovered playground and a soccer field as well as the art center and recreation programs.

MANITOU PARK
4421 AMERICAN LAKE BLVD
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Manitou Park was once bisected by the Pacific Traction Company’s electric car line that ran from Tacoma’s city center to American Lake and later to Fort Lewis.”
Amenities include picnic shelters, an uncovered playground, wading pools, public bathrooms, half court basketball and a soccer field.

MARINE PARK & LES DAVIS PIER
3427 RUSTON WAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include beach access, picnic tables, a fishing pier and dock, public restrooms and miles of hiking and jogging trails.

MCCARVER PARK
2301 S J ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities include picnic tables and wading pools. The park is adjacent to McCarver Elementary School.

MCKINLEY PARK
907 UPPER PARK ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“A gift to the City by the Tacoma Land and Improvement Company, McKinley Park was named in honor of President William McKinley on his death. It was one of the original parks included in Tacoma’s park system when the Metropolitan Park District was formed in 1907. A major regional park in its early years, it was separated from what was the Hawthorne District of Tacoma in 1961 by Interstate 5.”
Amenities include picnic shelters, public restrooms, primitive trails, open wildlife habitat and picnic tables.

MCKINLEY PLAYFIELD
4321 MCKINLEY AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Neighborhood efforts culminated in the purchase of land for McKinley Playfield in 1928. ”
It features baseball,softball and soccer fields, an uncovered playground, full court basketball, a tennis court, dirt trails and public restrooms.

MEEKER MEMORIAL PARK
LE LOU WA PLACE NE at EAST SIDE DRIVE N
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“This small park is of historical interest within the Browns Point community. It features a small totem pole and a painted interpretive map of the Browns Point area.”

OAK TREE PARK
7633 S MONTGOMERY ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Oak Tree park is an undeveloped park with lots of open wildlife habitat.

OAKLAND-MADRONA PARK
3114 S MADISON ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Oakland-Madrona Park is a neighborhood park near Snake Lake. Amenities include both half and full basketball courts, an uncovered playground, a wading pool, picnic shelters, miles of dirt trail and public restrooms.

OLD TOWN DOCK
2123 SCHUSTER PARKWAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Tie your small boat up to the Old Town Dock and stroll along Ruston Way. Picnic tables are available next to the dock and restrooms at nearby Dickman Mill Park. You can also fish from the dock; there is a covered shelter and several benches.”
Other amenities include beach access for salt water fishing and swimming, picnic shelters, picnic tables, walking trail and a pier.

OLD TOWN PARK
2350 N 30TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities inlcude half court basketball, picnic shelters, an uncovered playground, walking trail and the park hosts the historical Job Carr Cabin.

OPTIMIST PARK
1330 N JAMES ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Optimist Park is nestled in the west end residential area of Tacoma. Acquired and developed in part by the Optimists Club, the park covers almost three acres.”
Amenities include picnic tables, public restrooms, baseball and softball fields, half court basketball and an uncovered playground.

PECK FIELD
1425 S STATE ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Through the efforts of the Tacoma/Pierce County Softball Association and the generosity of Mr. Roger Peck, the old “Athletic Park” was transformed into Peck Field. The heavily used facility features four softball fields that can be used simultaneously.”

PEOPLE’S COMMUNITY CENTER
1602 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“People’s Center was built as a result of strong community organization and effort. Known as the Malcolm X Center before the name was changed in 1978 to People’s Center, it has served as a cornerstone of the community for meeting and social functions. With a primary focus on youth and after school programming, this central Tacoma “Hilltop” location is popular with adults and the many children and youth in the area. A recently completed renovation enhanced the facility, which includes a fitness center, indoor swimming pool and basketball/gym facility.”

PEOPLE’S PARK
900 S K ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Peoples Park serves Tacoma’s Hilltop community with amenities for both active and passive recreation. It’s home to the annual Music and Murals celebration.”
Amenities include an open play area, an uncovered playground, half court basketball, picnic tables and walking trail.

POINT DEFIANCE PARK
5400 N PEARL ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“The residents of Tacoma began to enjoy Point Defiance in 1888 when the United States Congress finally permitted public use of its military reservation. It was deeded to the City of Tacoma in 1905 as a park and in 1907 construction and operation of a pavilion, aquarium, heated saltwater baths, and other attractions began. Today, Point Defiance serves as a regional park and the zoo, aquarium, Owen Beach, Five Mile Drive, Fort Nisqually, Boathouse Marina and the gardens are just a few of the long list of opportunities offered for public enjoyment.”
Other amenities inlcude beach access, saltwater fishing and swimming, a boat launch, tennis court, picnic shelters and tables, primitive and concrete trails, a public viewing garden and much more.

PORTLAND AVENUE PARK & COMMUNITY CENTER
3513 PORTLAND AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities inlcude soccer fields, a tennis court, miles of dirt trails, full and half court basketball, baseball and softball fields, grills, picnic shelters, a wading pool and public restrooms.

PUGET PARK
3111 N PROCTER ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Located above Puget Gulch and Gardens, Puget Park offers trail connections with Puget Gulch and the Ruston Way waterfront area.”
Other amenities include an uncovered playground and lots of parking.

ROGERS PARK
3151 E L ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Rogers Park serves Tacoma’s eastside area near the old Roger’s High School. In October 2004, it became the first official off-leash dog park in Tacoma. It is fully fenced and has a special fire hydrant water fountain for dogs.”
Other amenities include half court basketball, a wading pool, a viewing shelter, public restrooms and an uncovered playground.

ROOSEVELT PARK
3601 E ROOSEVELT AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“This park was acquired in 1936 by the Metropolitan Park District. The site was immediately improved with landscaping, a water system, and a picnic shelter. Today, the site offers a softball and soccer field and other grassy areas. The park is often used by school and neighborhood groups.”

SAWYER TOT LOT
3315 S SAWYER ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Community effort developed this small play area from a vacant lot, giving neighbhorhood tots a safe place to play.”

SHERIDAN PARK
2347 S SHERIDAN ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Through a cooperative effort of neighbors and the City of Tacoma, a vacant lot was converted to a small neighborhood park. Sheridan Park has play structures and picnic tables.”

SOUTH END NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
7802 S L ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Neighborhood groups and residents have used South End Neighborhood Center for many years as their meeting place. This community center features a large meeting room with ample room for dancing, and a smaller meeting room. SENC fits right into its neighborhood setting with manicured lawns, picnic tables and a barbecue grill.”
Other amenities include soccer, baseball and softball fields.

SOUTH END RECREATION AREA
6002 S ADAMS ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“This site was opened for public use in the spring of 1980. It is one of the most modern athletic complexes in the Northwest. Features include four lighted softball and soccer fields and a hard surface area with parking and concessions.”
Other amenities include an uncovered playground, picnic tables, public restrooms and a full basketball court.

SOUTH PARK & COMMUNITY CENTER
4851 S TACOMA WAY
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“South Park was originally a section of the Spanaway Lake and Flume Line right-of-way purchased by the City of Tacoma Light and Water Company in 1893. The land was converted to park use in 1905. Today, the forested park is a major South Tacoma attraction featuring gardens, play equipment, and a community center.”
Other amenities include picnic tables, public restrooms, miles of dirt trail, baseball and softball fields, full court basketball and an uncovered playground.

STANLEY PLAYFIELD
1712 S 19TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
Amenities inlcude the Al Davies Boys & Girls Club, baseball and softball fields, an uncovered playground, a tennis court, a soccer field and a new football field is under construction.

STEWART HEIGHTS PARK
402 E 56TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Stewart Heights Park is developing into a major recreation attraction for Tacoma’s east side and south end. In June 2003 a new 8,500 square foot multi-purpose pool opened featuringn a zero depth entry, adjacent lap lanes, interactive play equipment, separate water slide, new larger bathhouse, community meeting room and spacious deck space for children to play and teens and adults to relax. Also new to Stewart Heights Park are a Subway store in the pool complex and a skate park that opened in March of 2002.”
Other amenities include softball and baseball fields, picnic shelters, public restrooms, a skateboard park, tennis, volleyball and full basketball courts, a concession stand, and an uncovered playground.

SWAN CREEK PARK
2820 PIONEER WAY E
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Swan Creek Park’s 250 acres along the easterly City of Tacoma limits are currently undeveloped. A canyon containing Swan Creek extends the length of the park. Several community and student groups are dedicated to improving Swan Creek habitat for fish and plants.”

TACOMA NATURE CENTER
1919 S TYLER ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“You’ll hear the honking of Canada geese and the peculiar twitter of the wood duck as you explore this 54-acre wetland habitat. Tread carefully on the two-mile trail and you might catch sight of a red fox, raccoon, blue heron or other wildlife. Discover science secrets in the Center’s exhibit area and laboratory.”
Other amenities include lake access, picnic tables, public restrooms and a native plant nursery.

THEA’S PARK
405 DOCK ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“A 20 by 38 foot Harbor Flag welcomes people from all nations into the Port of Tacoma from Thea’s Park. Watch ships and tugboats coming and going and cranes lifting cargo at the busy Port. You may also glimpse float planes, harbor seals, sea lions and kayakers.”
Other amenities include beach access, saltwater fishing and swimming, a boat launch, picnic tables, a walking trail and open wildlife habitat.

TITLOW PARK
8425 6TH AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Titlow Park is located on the edge of the Tacoma Narrows and was an original part of the William B. Wilton Donation Land Claim patented by the United States in 1871. In 1903, A. R Titlow purchased the northern half of the Wilton Claim, which included the park site. Titlow began establishing a beach resort and constructed an extravagant hotel and small dock and made other improvements. After property tax foreclosure proceedings, the property was eventually acquired for park use and added to over time. The beach provides access for scuba diving.”
Other amenities include baseball, football, soccer and softball fields, full court basketball, beach access, saltwater fishing and swimming, a boat launch, picnic shelters, public restrooms, an uncovered playground, outdoor pools, a tennis court and asphalt and dirt trails.

URSICH GULCH PARK
2300 N 29TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Ursich Gulch is wild and full of native habitat. It is a prime example of an urban greenbelt that may not be able to be developed. There is a monument to Catherine Ursich at the entrance to the gulch.”

VASSAULT PARK
6100 N 37TH ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“One of largest neightborhood parks in Tacoma, Vassault Park is the site of the start/finish line of the annual Sound to Narrows run and several other special events. There is ample off-street park and ADA accessible play equipment reached from the parking lot.”
Other amenities include picnic tables, public restrooms, an uncovered playground, soccer, baseball and softball fields and tennis and full basketball courts.

WAPATO PARK
6500 S SHERIDAN AVE
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Wapato Park derives its name from the lake it surrounds, which may have been named after a wild vegetable that once grew abundantly here. The park features forests, display gardens, a walking trail around the lake and an impressive, historic pergola.”
Other amenities include lake access with freshwater fishing and swimming, grills, picnic shelters and benches, public restrooms, an outdoor volleyball court, a fishing pier/dock, horseshoe pits and baseball and softball fields.

WAPATO HILLS PARK
6231 S WAPATO ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Eighty prime acres in South Tacoma, Wapato Hills Park was saved from development through the efforts of community activists. Today, 66 acres are devoted to open space and 14 to a neighborhood park. Metro Parks developed four of those acres into a playfield that opened in fall 2002. The playfield is named in honor of Skip and Laura Vaughn, who spearheaded the drive to save the land and turn it into a park.”
Amenities include baseball ad softball fields, an uncovered playground, public restrooms, walking path and full court basketball.

WRIGHT PARK
501 S I ST
HOURS: DAWN – DUSK
“Tacoma Land Company and its president, Charles B. Wright, dedicated the majority of the land of what is today Wright Park to the City and its residents. W.W. Seymour established the conservatory in 1907. Wright Park features 33 Washington State champion trees and several pieces of art. Wright Park and the Seymour Conservatory are listed on the Tacoma, Washington State and National Registers of Historical Places.”
Amenities include full court basketball, picnic tables, wading pools, a covered playground, public restrooms, horseshoe pits, a lawn bowling area and miles of dirt trails.